Watchman Nee (1903–1972) was a noted Chinese Bible teacher and Christian leader. He began his preaching ministry while still a university student. From 1923 to 1950 Nee founded 200 churches. Starting as small groups meeting in rented houses, these self-supporting congregations became strong spiritually and grew rapidly, continuing to develop after China’s Cultural Revolution. Nee was arrested on false charges in 1952 and found guilty; he was imprisoned until his death in 1972.